Volkswagen Polo Beats 1.0 Review
Polo Position

Ever wonder why we rarely see the term supermini these days? This particular market segment has seen sale figures being eroded by another kind of supermini: The compact crossover. However, Volkswagen is ready to tackle the crossover segment with the new sixth generation Polo.

Bidding farewell to the old PQ25 platform, the new Polo is based on Volkswagen’s newer MQB platform. While we are certain that the Polo has been designed to look wider with fancy design tricks, it has grown in almost all departments.

The feature list has grown to include keyless entry, smartphone connectivity, and a full set of six airbags are fitted as standard. Performance has increased too, with a rated 115 horses and 200 Nm of torque.

A familiar 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) helps the Polo to achieve the 0-100 km/h test in 9.5 seconds. The shrinking engine trend continues with a 1.0-litre TSI three cylinder petrol engine from the EA211 series.

Volkswagen Singapore offers the Polo in two versions – the Comfortline, and this: The Beats. For an extra S$8,500, you get an eight-channel amplifier, digital sound processor, subwoofer, six speakers with a 300-watt output and the all-important Beats badges.

On top of the audio system, the price premium gives you LED rear tail lights, a sunroof, an Active Info Display, an alarm system, Park Assist and a rear view reversing camera. On paper at least, it is looking like a worthy upgrade.

Far from being the garish “special edition” car, only the Polo’s B-pillars get the exterior Beats visual treatment. But, the real party is on the inside...